Members of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville learned about the function and operations of the Gwinnett County Probate Court at their noon meeting on September 9.  County Probate Judge Chris Ballar gave the group an overview of what the Probate Court does.  A primary duty is to probate, or prove, wills.  The process involves filing a petition, getting the heirs to confirm the will, and notifying the appropriate people.  Depending on the complexity and accuracy of the petitions, the process may take a few days or a lengthy period.  Another duty is to process guardianships. Guardians of minors, parents of disabled 18- or 19-year-olds, and people of advanced age not capable of taking care of themselves are among those needing guardians.  Judge Ballar recommended a Power of Attorney as a way to handle some of these problems more simply and economically.  Other duties of the Court include fireworks permits, peddler permits, involuntary commitments, and Orders to Apprehend (a complex process to apprehend one who is a danger to oneself and others).  Located in the Justice and Administrative Center, the Court also handles Vital Records such as Death and Birth Certificates, Marriage Licenses, and Weapons Carry Permits.  He closed by addressing questions from the members.

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At the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Lawrenceville, Rotarian David H. Freeman of ReMax Center  shared information about an online research tool available to anyone who wants to research the residential real estate market.  Remax’s “My Home Finder” can be used to keep track of property values in a neighborhood or to locate a new residential property.  It lists all the MLS and FMLS holdings in the Atlanta area.  One can search by neighborhood, school district, zip code, or any number of other variables.  By listing an email address with David, one can be notified of new offerings and of price changes.  Condos, townhouses, and investment properties are also listed. David recommended this tool as an effective way to ascertain changes in property values and emphasized that it was offered to his fellow Rotarians as an informational venue, not a solicitation for business

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